MSU’s Office of Regulatory Compliance and Safety recognized the Laboratory Animal Resources and Care team for its dedication to safety with a barbecue luncheon last week. LARAC was chosen as the recipient of this year's safety recognition luncheon because not only do they take advantage of personal protective equipment, they also incorporate safe work practices into their daily routine. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Courtney Pratt, Crystal Canady, Mike Bassett, Dr. Bridget Willeford, William Moore, and Dr. Lucy Senter; (middle) Charles Mobley, Charlie Johnston, Greg Miller, Brenda Walker and Dr. Nancy Brashier; and (back) Steve Knox, Ronnie Braswell, Amber Angelo, Peggy Johnson and Jamie Walker. April Wallace is not pictured. PHOTO: Tom Thompson | MSU CVM

Barnes & Noble celebrates employees this weekBarnes & Noble Bookstore at Mississippi State University will hold Staff Appreciation Days on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3. MSU employees will receive an additional 10 percent off their purchases, which is a total of 20 percent off clothing, books and gifts. This includes cafe purchases too.

Library announces spring semester exam hoursAs the close of MSU’s spring semester nears, Mitchell Memorial Library announces its expanded hours of operation during the spring exam schedule. In response to popular demand and a request from the Student Association, the library will open Sunday, April 21 at 1 p.m. and will not close until Friday, May 3 at 4:45 p.m. During these 13 days, the library will remain open 24 hours a day.

Congrats to all the volunteer award winnersThe Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including tutoring at East and West Oktibbeha County Schools, BB4K mentoring program, Emerson Fresh Start program, and more.

Art faculty exhibition at Wade Gallery in May, JuneA collection presented in a variety of mediums by members of the Mississippi State art department faculty will be featured on campus over the next two months. The May and June showcase at the university's Cullis Wade Depot Gallery will include samples of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, drawings, photography and printmaking. The gallery is located on the second floor of the MSU Welcome Center, located adjacent to the Barnes & Noble at Mississippi State Bookstore.

Faculty leadership program seeks nominationsFor the 2013-2014 academic year, the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President will again be conducting an academic leadership program for selected faculty at Mississippi State. This program has been very successful in the past, and many of its participants serve in key leadership positions on campus today. For the upcoming year, attendance will be limited to approximately 12 individuals who will be chosen from those who apply.

Policy addresses employee political activityWith political campaigning for local elections underway, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel reminds employees to be aware of the university's policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity.

Maroon Alert: Sharing emergency updates with MSUDuring this time of the year, weather becomes more of a factor in our day-to-day lives at Mississippi State University. The Maroon Alert system is how we communicate with the campus community about emergency situations that may arise on campus. Maroon Alert is a family of communication outlets to communicate about emergency situations. In most situations the primary means of communication are web, e-mail and sometimes instant messaging.

New employee assistance program availableLife is filled with change, opportunities and challenges. The issues may be large or small. Knowing that you have someone who can listen, understand and suggest next steps can make a big difference. And that is where Mississippi State University's new employee assistance program (EAP) and work-life program helps.

Policy reminders from University Health ServicesUniversity Health Services at Mississippi State reminds the campus community of several important policies for its patients to keep in mind when seeking treatment, parking, refilling a prescription online, and privacy.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 04/29/13Baseball hosts Alabama in an SEC weekend series beginning on Friday at 6 p.m. (ESPNU), and continuing on Saturday at 2 p.m. and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday... Softball travels to College Station to open an SEC weekend series against Texas A&M on Friday at 7 p.m., and continuing with games on Saturday at 4 p.m. and at noon on Sunday.

Forest resources faculty receive honorsMississippi State University faculty in the College of Forest Resources and Forest and Wildlife Research Center were recently recognized for exceptional teaching, service and research accomplishments. Honorees included David Evans, Stephen Dicke, James Martin, Emily Schultz, Ian Munn and Philip Steele

Experiment Station awards scientists, staffFor their research and service contributions, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station recently honored several Mississippi State University faculty and staff members, including Brian Baldwin, Robert Kroger, Jeff Gore, Keith Daniels, Sam Tackitt, Peter Hudson, Larry Fitzgerald, Debra Price and Peter Hudson.

Taylor leading MSU distance education centerSteve Taylor is the new executive director of Mississippi State's Center for Distance Education. The veteran educator said this new opportunity to lead the team responsible for operating the institution's extensive online instructional program is both exciting and rewarding.

Grebner writes new forestry, natural resources textMississippi State University professor Donald Grebner is the lead author on a new forestry and natural resources textbook. Introduction to Forestry and Natural Resources provides a general overview of the forestry and natural resources profession, as well as the history of forestry, landowner objectives, forest disturbances, ecosystem services and urban forestry.